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Twice Captured Presentation Sword

Twice Captured Presentation Sword

This sword was first presented to C.W. Brandt by the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry. It was subsequently captured and presented to Lieutenant Colonel John S. Mosby by Lieutenant A.E. Richards on March 10th, 1864. The sword was recaptured and presented to Colonel H.S. Gansevoort by the 13th New York Cavalry in September 1864.

Description

The blade of this Model 1850 Presentation Sword is long, curved, and single edged. It is decorated on both sides with floral and scroll designs in silver chasing. On the obverse is an eagle holding a banner that reads, "E PLURIBUS UNUM". On the reverse is a "U.S." monogram in place of the eagle. The grip is cylindrical and wrapped with gilt wire 11 times in a spiral. The pommel is shaped like a traditional Model 1850 sword, and scroll designs are featured its edges. The knuckle guard and counterguard are decorated with scroll designs. The quillon curls down to the blade in a scroll design.

The scabbard has three mounts. The first two are small and thin, and feature casts of oak sprays and acorns and the drag features a scroll design. There are four inscriptions on this scabbard, one on the obverse and three on the reverse. Two of the inscriptions (obverse and left reverse) bear the name of the sword's original owner “Presented by / Co.L. 1st N.Y. Vet. Cav. / as a mark of Esteem / to C.W. Bryandt.” The next, (center reverse), reads "Captured March 10th 1864 / and Presented / by Lt. A.E. Richards / to / Lt. Col. John Singleton Mosby", and the last inscription, (right reverse), reads "Recaptured / Sept 1864 / by the 13TH N.Y. Cavalry / Col. H.S. Gansevoort". There are two carrying rings on the scabbard, one on the right side of the top two mounts.